The right mattress can really help you have a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling rested and refreshed. Conversely, sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause sleeplessness, back pain, and overall aches and pains. For those with a back problem, a mattress that isn’t a good fit can make the pain worse.

Which is the Best Mattress?

There is no such thing as “the best mattress”, however there will be a best mattress for YOU. Many people perpetuate the myth that a harder mattress is better for your back, the harder the better. This just isn’t true. (If it were true, then you may as well sleep on a wooden plank!) The best mattress for you is the one that feels right when you lay on it. The recommended firmness of the mattress depends on your comfort level, which differs from person to person.

How Do I Choose the Best Mattress for Me?

The best method for choosing a mattress is a lot like shopping for a car. You need to “test drive” them. A store that has multiple models on display are the best places to start. An important part of the decision making process is to narrow your choices down to two or three. If you keep moving from mattress to mattress you’ll only confuse yourself, so it’s best to go with your first impressions on a favorite few. Don’t be afraid to put your whole body onto the mattress and get comfortable. The sales staff won’t mind because they know it’s the only way you’ll know if the bed suits you or not. Take your time. Lay for a few minutes to get a better idea of how it might feel to sleep on it. Some mattresses can feel good at first, but after awhile it might start to feel too hard or too soft. If you will be sharing your bed with another person, then it’s best to have that person with you. You should both lay on the same bed and see how it feels with two people. Roll over and move around, pay close attention to how much movement you feel and if this might bother you while you’re sleeping. Test driving a mattress means putting it through the paces of everyday use.